NEW MEDIA ADVOCACY AND THE CHALLENGES OF AUTHENTICITY

Thesis Abstract

One of the cardinal focuses of development communication is to demystify existing media to enable more people access and participate in the process of development. The New Media has proven ability of facilitating and enhancing public interaction with instant feedback mechanism that allows almost anybody anywhere with internet facilities not only access the media but also produce and distribute content instantaneously without direct intermediary. It was because of this unique feature that most communication specialists and advocates have adopted the medium seeing it as a more effective and quick medium for reaching out and spreading messages intended to publicize their programmes, influence public opinion and generate support. Obviously, this new direct two-way communication has empowered more people to participate, self-advocate and make other meaningful contributions by adding their voice to an ongoing campaign. Consequently, the New Media itself is posing challenges to advocates as well as users and supporters as fraudsters have taken advantages of the various loopholes in it to defraud, deceive and mislead people. This has led to general disrespect, disbelieve and lack of trust in the authenticity and integrity of many advocates; the challenge of knowing who to believe and how to identify and discard falsehood. This research work is designed to seek out the various challenges encountered by advocates as a result the now free nature of the media with a view at proffering lasting solution and restoring the credibility of advocacy project and the difficulties of knowing which media message is authentically designed by real advocates and not fraudsters or mischief-makers.